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Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Park Forest


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Park Forest, IL–(ENEWSPF)– Welcome to UUCC in Park Forest, a liberal, religious tradition serving the South Suburbs of Chicago since 1952. If you are looking for a place where you can discover your own spiritual path in an environment of love, acceptance and support, you have found the right place. If you are searching for a church home where you can raise your children with open hearts and minds and a respect for diversity, then this is the home for you. Perhaps you seek to gather with like-minded progressives who are active in social justice/environment issues; you will find them here as well. We draw on wisdom from many of the world’s religions and philosophies. We are many things at UUCC and we welcome you wherever you are at in your spiritual journey.

We would love for you to visit us. Our web site is uuccpf.org

You’ll find lots of great resources on our Web site. For some candid and personal views from our friends and members on their experiences from a UU perspective visit our blogs. You can download our latest newsletter and also find out more about Unitarian Universalism and our congregational history. For information about renting our facilities, check out contact us.

Dances for Universal Peace

Every month, the Unitarian Universalist Community Church (UUCC) of Park Forest holds Dances of Universal Peace. These dances are circle, meditative, spiritual practices that use the mantras of all world religions.

All are welcome. Dances will resume on a Sunday afternoon on October 2009. Next dance session will be Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 from 4-6PM. at the church. There will not be a dance session in November and we continue with our regular meetings on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009 from 4-6 PM. All are welcome.

Dances of Universal Peace were introduced in San Francisco in the 1960s by Samuel Lewis, a Buddhist and Sufi Master, to inspire young people without drugs, to eat, pray and dance together for enlightenment and peace. The North American Network for the Dances of Universal Peace has grown to include thousands of dancers in all our states.

For more details contact Pat Segner at 708-748-2217 or call the church office at 708-481-5339. The UUCC of Park Forest is located at 70 Sycamore Drive.

THIRD FRIDAY DRUM CIRCLE;  Come enjoy the soothing thereaputic effect of our open drum circle.  Drumming is fun and good for you.  Connect with the Spirit in a way that can’t be described in words.

RAINBOW CAFE

 

rainbow Cafe at the Unitarian Universalist Community Church a a sociasl event that provides a safe and welcoming environment for single or partnered gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgenered adults and their allies by creating a space where they are able to socialize  and develop fellowship.  The Cafe is open every 1st Saturday of the month from 7-9:30 PM. at the church.

 

COMING SOON “IN WHITE AMERICA” A 1964 PLAY THAT DEPICTS THE HISTORY OF RACE RELATIONS IN AMERICA.  Our church produced this play in the past and we are re-creating an important part of our history.  Details coming soon.  Members of the community encouraged to attend.  Reserve dates of  Friday, April 9th, and Saturday, April 10th.

Covenant Groups at Unitarian Church

Covenant Groups at UUCC are small groups for conversation that are open to non-church members. They have more depth than a discussion group but are not a therapy or support group. We pick our topics at suggestion of group members from serious to not so serious. Topics can range from the meaning of life to use of humor, from ecology to philosophy and poetry , books and movies. Each meeting follows a format including opening and closing words, check in time and we adhere to a covenant of conduct developed by the group. Covenant groups are open to new members always welcoming and accepting. Want to make new connections and discuss interesting topics in a a safe accepting atmosdphere come and try us out.

Friday Evenings at 7PM on 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month or Wednesday morning at 10AM on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month.

“Covenant groups are a type of ministry that allows its members to minister to eachother in a intimate spiritual community.” They are the building blocks of our community as we wrok together for the transformation of our world.

About the UUCC of Park Forest

The Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Park Forest began in 1953 as the new community of Park Forest grew. A more complete history is available.

We are now a community of about 92 members, friends, children, and youth inclusive of many religious backgrounds, races, sexual orientations, economic and educational levels, and lifestyles.

Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religious expression of the human potential for understanding and interpreting life’s many challenges in natural rather than supernatural ways.

Unitarian Universalists follow congregational polity, a form of church governance in which the local congregation is the ultimate authority in the conduct of its mission.

Our congregation is part of the larger Unitarian Universalist Association, which connects us within that millennia-old, world-wide liberal religious movement.

Our Unitarian Universalist Purposes and Principles

We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote

  • The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
  • Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
  • Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
  • A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
  • The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process
    within our congregations and in society at large;
  • The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
  • Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

The living tradition which we share draws from many sources:

  • Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life;
  • Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love;
  • Wisdom from the world’s religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life;
  • Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God’s love by loving our neighbors as ourselves;
  • Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit.
  • Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

Grateful for the religious pluralism which enriches and ennobles our faith, we are inspired to deepen our understanding and expand our vision. As free congregations we enter into this covenant, promising to one another our mutual trust and support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ever wonder about Unitarian Universalist Services of Worship? Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about our Sunday service:

When does our service start?

The worship service is at 10 am.

The service lasts about 1 hour. This service is followed by a time of informal conversation and refreshments; some people leave immediately after the service ends, others linger for some time.

Feel free to wear what is most comfortable; you will be welcomed for who you are, not what you wear!

What do the kids do?

Older children and youth attend the service for the first fifteen minutes most Sundays before going to their religious education classes. Several Sundays in the year consist of intergenerational worship when we worship together for the whole hour. Also, a child who prefers to stay for the service is welcome on any Sunday (that includes infants and toddlers who are not disruptive).

Where do I go when I arrive?

Once you park in our lot (some visitor spaces are available immediately to your left upon entering), you’ll find our main door through the canopy walkway. As you enter the main door, turn left into our Gathering Room and you will find a visitor’s table, staffed by volunteers who would be glad to answer any questions. They will also welcome you and provide you with a nametag, if you’re willing. At the doors to the sanctuary, an usher will give you an order of service, so you can follow the program.

What will happen in the service?

You will find that while our services vary from week to week, there are some common elements. Our opening chime introduces a time of welcome and opening music. This is followed by a lighting of the flame of a chalice – a representation of the symbol of Unitarian Universalism. We then join in unison Words of Affirmation and Song of Aspiration.

At this point in a service a time of Pastoral Meditation includes the specific joys, sorrows, and concerns from members of the congregation followed by music during which many will light a candle to symnbolize their silent personal thoughts. After the meditation, offerings will be collected – contributions to support the work of the congregation and contributions of food and clothing to help those in need in our own communities. This is free-will offering, with no expectations or requirements. If you are a visitor, feel free to let the offering bowls pass you by – your presence is your gift to us!

Words for All Ages follow – stories and reflections for your children and youth.

After the children leave for their program, we usually will have several readings (from religious and secular sources), a hymn, a time of meditation, a musical selection, and the major presentation (sermon, panel, play, etc.). This is followed by another hymn, and then a time of closure.

If you have any further questions, feel free to give us a call at: (708) 481-5339.


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